DAWS ON BOLTON

Posted on 28 February 2007
- 12:00

Michael Dawson sat back and thought 'cheers lads' as we stormed into a 3-0 lead against Bolton - only for it all to change in an instant.

Michael Dawson sat back and thought 'cheers lads' as we stormed into a 3-0 lead against Bolton - only for it all to change in an instant.Our Mr Consistent in defence admired what was unfolding in front of him as Robbie Keane’s double and a goal from Jermaine Jenas put us three up with only 21 minutes on the clock.

However, Robbie was soon sent off for handball, Gary Speed reduced arrears from the penalty spot and suddenly it was 3-1 and down to 10 men with an hour to play against the team in fifth in the Premiership.

“I was watching from the back thinking ‘cheers lads’ as we went 3-0 up,” reflected Michael. “Robbo had one great save to make in that opening spell but we played some great stuff and importantly scored the goals as well.

“The thing with Bolton is that you know they will continue to give everything, even at 3-0 down when a lot of teams might have folded.

“They got themselves back into the game and when we lost Robbie we all knew we were in for a tough test, especially with the scoreline then at 3-1.

“At half-time we regrouped and we knew what it was going to be like. We couldn't press as much and they had more of the ball but the lads worked their socks off.

“It wasn't quite as pretty in the second half - although Berba made it pretty with how he was plucking the ball out the air - and it was a pure team performance. Aaron’s goal just capped it off.

“As a defender, sometimes you don't have to be pretty. If you keep the ball out of the net you've done your job and that was the case in the second half.”